Why it’s ok to take a blogging break

This weekend I’ve taken a bit of a blogging break. I’ve been on holiday at Center Parcs, and I had no posts really ready to publish, so I decided to take a bit of a blogging break. That’s ok, in fact it’s really liberating.

I love that I didn’t have the pressure of not smashing out a post the night before to go live the next day, or worrying that I didn’t have any ideas of what to write about. It was nice just to be able to sit and watch TV, or not rush through the dinner, or stay up until the late hours writing posts and scheduling.

That’s the nature of being a blogger, it does just never stop, and that’s something I struggle with, I never know when to stop. So this weekend I decided to pause for a moment, close the laptop, and focus on family time. That’s not to say I wasn’t checking in, as I was still on social media and Instagram stories, I was just taking a break from writing.

I’m also a point where my focus needs to shift more towards my Digital Mums course as our campaigns went live last week. So this is crunch point for refining them and reviewing lots of data, plus making sure that our clients are happy with progress.

I’ve learnt to understand that life is a fine balance of juggling, and it’s not possible to be going full pelt at everything 24/7 you need to prioritise and dedicate time to different things at different times.

Right now I needed a few days of sitting back and observing my blog from a higher level point of view. It’s funny because even though I haven’t posted for 2 days, my traffic is higher and my social media is still doing as well as it was when I posted everyday. That has made me realise that actually it’s not always necessarily to post everyday, which is something I have been doing every day since I finished work six months ago (which I see as somewhat of an achievement).

So for anyone out there who is worrying about taking a break from blogging. Don’t worry. Your blog will still be there when you come back, plus you should come back with so many more ideas and feel so much more refreshed. You might even find a new love for blogging, or come back with more determination than ever before.

I did have a niggle that after a few days away I would lose the motivation, but actually it’s stronger than ever. I put that down to having had two days away when I haven’t been made to feel like a slave to the blog, or made to feel like blogging is a chore.

Blogging is hard work, and just like any job where we have time off at the weekends, we should treat ourselves to a weekend off blogging too.

If anyone was concerned about my whereabouts I was in the middle of a forest, drinking beer and eating loads of food.

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26 Comments

The Mummy BubbleNovember 15, 2017 / 8:00 am

Such a great post, it’s so true that stepping away can mean you come back to the blog feeling more motivated and happier. I think blogging breaks are essential for creativity to thrive. Glad you had a nice break x. #fortheloveofBLOG

I think blogging breaks are essential. No matter what your job os if you do it 24/7 it will become a chore. I dont post every day for this reason and also have week breaks over christmas and in the summer. #fortheloveofblogTracey Abrahams recently posted…How To Write Good Alt Text

I was just thinking about time off from the blog the other day. My other half looks forward to the weekend every week because he’s off work but I’m always still working on the blog. I think I might start taking the weekends too.. Fab post. X #fortheloveofBLOG

This is such a thought provoking post. I’m a new blogger and find I’m constantly thinking about my blog and trying to squeeze in time her and there to draft my next post etc. It’s great to hear that having a break has been a good thing for you and hasn’t effected your stats 🙂 #fortheloveofBLOGAmy – The Rolling Baby recently posted…On my due date I….

I agree that it’s good to take a break from time to time to get some perspective – there’s life outside blogging! I often take breaks when I go on holiday because I don’t want to have to worry about posting and engaging when I’m away. #fortheloveofBLOGThe Squirmy Popple recently posted…No excuses, men: don’t get your junk out at work

I’m like Amy, I’m new to blogging as a parent. In my past-life I was the editor of an online women’s cycling website, so it’s not too dissimilar, although I’m not currently paid for my new role 😉 It’s infectious at the moment, I have so many thoughts and ideas on what I’d like to cover but I appreciate this excitement will wane. Taking a break is imperative to make sure you stay fresh. Flogging a dead horse never helped anyone, so I’m going to ensure I take the time to step back and not just trot out any old crap just to get my quota of articles out! #fortheloveofBLOG

I’m so glad that you were able to take a weekend break. I think taking breaks, once in awhile or even more than once in awhile, is important to do! I always feel like I feel refreshed after taking a break, and then I’m able to think more clearly. #fortheloveofBLOGNatalie A recently posted…We Will Miss You, Tiger!

Posts like this are so good for me to read! I can give myself a break over the holidays and hopefully have more to bring to the party when I return! xoxo Thank you! #fortheloveofBLOG xoxoLisa Pomerantz recently posted…Oh, she’s got pipes

You’re completely right. We went away the other week and I had nothing scheduled at all. But I decided that i’d got to the point that there was nothing I could about so I didn’t let it bother me. I just wanted a week off from everything and enjoy time with my family. Hope you had a fab time at centerparcs x
#fortheloveofblogHelen @talking_mums recently posted…#StayClassyMama Linky 82

Blogging breaks are essential. I recently had a massive step back. barely posted and wasnt very social on different media platforms. I lost interest but knew it was a phase. Sometimes enjoying there here and now rather than through a screen can give you the boost you need to come back and really get somewhere. I know im buzzing with ideas now (twin posts aside!!) and I cant wait to get stuck in again! #fortheloveofBLOG

I don’t tend to blog much more than a couple of times a week and spend the rest of the time on linky’s or social media really. If I’m going away I don’t schedule on the blog I have a break. I’m still pretty new to all this and so only recently noticed how people schedule or get guests to post whilst they are away. #fortheloveofBLOG

I don’t tend to blog much more than a couple of times a week and spend the rest of the time on linky’s or social media really. If I’m going away I don’t schedule on the blog I have a break. I’m still pretty new to all this and so only recently noticed how people schedule or get guests to post whilst they are away. #fortheloveofBLOG

I think it’s essential to take breaks, especially if you are posting every day (OMG how do you do that?! I struggle to get two posts out a week!). Even if I didn’t work part time on top of my blog I don’t know if I’d ever be able to post every day! #fortheloveofBLOGNicola – Clarke Life recently posted…Hey you! You’re a good Mum!

Ah Claire, I needed this post in my life. I’m not a pro blogger like you but already a few months in I’m starting to feel the effects of burning the candle at both ends. Mortals don’t realise just how much work it involves – I feel like I never truly switch off. It’s good to hear it from a successful blogger that it’s ok to take a break sometimes. Love you for this post. #fortheloveofBlog
Ps- love a bit of Center Parcs – we’ve been over to the Whinfell Forest one a few times xx

Thank you for your kind words, I wouldn’t call myself a pro blogger at all, but it’s lovely to hear. Definitely take a break when you can, it’s liberating and you should never feel like a slave to your blog x x

Glad you had a good rest. It’s good to have an occasional break to recharge the batteries and give new ideas a chance to grow while you’re not busy bashing out post after post. There’s no law that says you have to write constantly, after all. At one time I was writing 10-15,000 words a week across four blogs (plus I was editing other people’s work too) but I’m much happier posting a couple of times a week across my one remaining blog now. I enjoy it more – I have more time to think and be creative rather than being up against constant deadlines. And the only person who really notices if I take a few days off is me. Funnily enough the world seems to get by if I don’t blog for a week … 🙂 #fortheloveofBLOG